Alleged rape: Arraignment stalled as medical doctor fails to appear in court

The arraignment of Femi Olaleye, managing director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, was stalled following his absence in court on  Monday.

The cancer care advocate was scheduled to be arraigned by the Lagos state government at the sexual offences and domestic violence court in Ikeja.

BACKGROUND

Olaleye was accused of sexually violating a minor, who was said to be a niece of his wife, for over 20 months.

Remi, the wife of the medical doctor, in an interview in October, corroborated the sexual violation allegations against her husband.

She also accused the medical doctor and his family of threatening her for reporting the alleged rape case to the police.

Actresses Kate Henshaw and Damilola Adekoya had called on the Lagos state government and other relevant authorities to ensure that Olaleye is brought to justice over the alleged rape.

Amid the calls for Olaleye’s arrest, the Lagos police command had said the case file was with its legal unit.

‘DEFENSE KICKS AS PROSECUTION SEEKS BENCH WARRANT’ 

On Monday morning, the case was called before Rahman Oshodi, the presiding judge, at the sexual offences and domestic violence court.

Olaleye was expected to face a two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration.

Olugbenga Alagbe, counsel to the prosecution, informed the court that the defendant was not present in court.

Alagbe said the prosecution had taken the necessary steps to ensure that the case is heard.

The prosecution counsel said a notice of arraignment, dated November 18, 2022, was sent to the defendant, the investigating police officer (IPO) and other relevant parties.

Alage asked the court to issue a bench warrant against the medical doctor over his absence.

Babatunde Ogala, counsel to the defendant, however, said the suspect was not in Lagos when the notice of arraignment was sent to his office.

He added that the notice sent to the defence team did not contain the charges levelled against the suspect.

The defence counsel asked the court to grant them further dates, saying his client will be available on the next date.

“Asking for a bench warrant for a man who has neither jumped bail nor refused to appear before the court, he is not running anywhere,” he said.

“It is out of respect that we appear to represent our client who has not been served. As at the time the letter was sent to his office, he was out of town.”

In his ruling, the judge adjourned the case to November 30.